Optical Distortion inc Essay Example

Optical Distortion inc Essay Introduction Optical Distortion, Inc. (DOD), is a small, new company that has developed contact lenses designed to impair the vision of egg-producing farm chickens. This development came after an accidental discovery that partially blind chickens demonstrate more manageable and productive behaviors that are valuable to chicken farmers. Market Trends As within many industries, the poultry and egg production market has evolved dramatically in the last century from small backyard barnyards to todays high- production farms of more than 2. 5 million birds. Due to the varied demands and operations necessitated by this current, broad spectrum of customers (here, chicken farmers), the current market is best understood by segmenting it first by flock size. As shown in Exhibit 4 of the case study, we see the percentage growth (decline) of each flock size segment as it relates to farm size and chicken count from 1964 to 1996. Based on this data, farms with flock sizes less than 10,000 chickens have dramatically reduced in this time period while farms with flock sizes larger than 10,000 have consistently grown in each of the four high-volume segments. We will write a custom essay sample on Optical Distortion inc specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Optical Distortion inc specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Optical Distortion inc specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Additionally, the market data also demonstrates a significant progression of incineration both regionally as well as in the nations number of industry producers. In 1974, 80% of the laying hens in the United States were housed in Just 3% of the countrys chicken farms. Ii Regionally speaking, the farms have evolved into concentrations in where Just three statesCalifornia, North Carolina, and Georgia account for more 25% of the nations chickens. Iii Finally, additional research projects continued growth in the U. S. Chicken population in the following five years (1975-1979). The projection estimates a steady population growth of 4. % within this timeshare. Coinciding with this projected population growth is the parallel expectation that the trends of large-flock farms will continue to realize the highest industry margins. Also expected to continue is the concentrated trend whereby 80% of chickens are owned by Just 3% of U. S. Chicken farms. Iv Benefits and Risks to Chicken Farmers The main benefit to farmers is in their replacing the practice of debarking with Odds contact lenses. Chickens are social birds and part of their natural desire to organize a social order within their respective flocks relies upon physical fighting and pecking to create a hierarchy. This process leads to chicken mortality and also impacts egg reduction, among other disruptions. The following are benefits realized by substituting DOD lenses for debarking: Reduction in flock mortality from 9% to 4. 5%. Vi This reduction in bird replacement costs would represent approximately $2,160 in annual savings. Debarking-related trauma results in the loss of 1 egg per year per wearing DOD lenses, chickens feed more efficiently, therefore allowing farmers to reduce the depth of the feed in troughs by 3/8 or more. Farmers would save more than 156 pounds of feed per day if their chickens are using lenses and not debarked. 1 56 pounds per day is the equivalent of 56,940 pounds per year, or, 28. 7 non-metric tons. This is a savings of $4,498. 26 per year. Annual associated labor costs are virtually a wash, but lenses fall slightly cheaper than debarking. See Exhibit A. Summary of key (gross) savings to be realized by farmer = $7,506. 74 5. 15). Estimated cost of DOD lenses = $4,000. 00. Net savings = $3,506. 74 per year. The risks that exist for farmers should they substitute the DOD lenses for the practice of debarking may include: The lenses may not function as expected, require additional maintenance or time inspecting or correcting improper installation Unknown risks associated with long-term wear (complete blindness, impact on egg production, appetite) Flock reliance upon the product and lack of control on changes in product costs (and no competitive alternatives) Marketing Program Farmers will find out about this product from trade shows and local, on-the- ground salespeople. These are traditionally independent-minded men that will need to be convinced face-to-face (preferably by someone that they trust) that Odds lenses work, are easy to incorporate into their flocks, and create significant savings for their farms. Theyll decide to buy once they are convinced that the lenses work. They are likely not high-risk buyers that would be willing to spend money on less-traditional operating methods. DOD must demonstrate local or regional knowledge of the market and industry, and ideally, will be able to share and demonstrate local success within one or more of the regions chicken farms as part of the effort to convince new farmers to replace debarking with Odds lenses. Additionally, being able to demonstrate real savings to farm operations will be very important to convincing the rammers to purchase the lenses. As a segment, they will be suspicious of the value of the lenses until after considerable experience with the lenses. Viii I believe that DOD should launch the new lenses and I would recommend the initial price be set at $50. 0 per box of 250 pair, or $0. 20 per pair. I believe that this price will allow the product to have the necessary credibility in the marketplace as a product that is a legitimate alternative to debarking. Additionally, this will allow for discount pricing if needed for trial periods and demonstration projectstwo tragic activities that will be valuabl e to the initial roll out of the product to this market segment. While the increase in initial pricing may require more intense sales efforts, I am also proposing a sharper, more focused regional market: California. Geographically, California is the largest region for Odds targeted market of chicken farmers with more than 521 farms and approximately 40 million chickens (on farms of 20,000 flock size or greater). I also propose that DOD focus all efforts on California, particularly its larger farms in an effort to maximize its sales force and to increase Odds chances of success (as previously demonstrated, savings are larger for larger larger farms may have the potential to be more innovative or at least more likely to be interested in new opportunities since they are typically managed as more sophisticated businesses. Going forward, I believe that the product has a place in the market. Projections demonstrate an increase in chicken populations nationally in the coming five years as well as an expansion of the large-flock farms. Fortunately for DOD, the savings realized by the utilization of the lenses are dramatically higher when called against larger flocks/farms, particularly as it relates to feed savings. For farms of 50,000 chickens (which have grown by more than 83% in the last five years and are forecasted to continue), the gross feed savings alone can exceed $11,000 per year. X Additionally, at $0. 20 per pair, DOD can afford to maximize its start-up costs I further recommend that DOD utilize a more focused roll-out method and to identify a test farm to which it can donate and install the lenses (preferably not for free, but discounted). This opportunity would demonstrate valuable proof to other rammers in the region that may be more difficult to convince or that need more experience with t he lenses before making a decision. One difficulty is proving (or realizing) benefits with the lenses by installing lenses on a few of the birds. By design, the social behaviors of the flock will not measurably change unless the lenses are on all of the birds. Break Even Analysis An analysis of the proposed price for the DOD lenses less the fixed costs (Exhibit B) and the variable costs (changes in production costs) would provide the profits for DOD. The break even pricing will be between $0. 08 and $0. 15 per pair.

Eli Whtiney essays

Eli Whtiney essays Eli Whitney and Interchangeable Parts The year was 1765. One of the most influential inventors in American history, Eli Whitney, was born in Westboro, Massachusetts. He contributed some of the greatest innovations to American society. There are many different situations that helped shape or inspire Eli. Being exposed to his father's workshop, Eli accumulated an immense amount of knowledge on craftsmanship and mechanics. During college, Whitney's experiences at Yale also had many influences on him. When his pursuit of a law degree failed he began to become distracted by his affinity for mechanics. He also received an education involving advanced science and graduated with honors. Whitney was probably most influenced, though, by earlier attempts at mass production. The British textile manufacturing process inspired him as did a French man named LeBlanc, who had attempted the process of interchangeability but died before seeing its effect. Even though Eli was not certain if it was his own genuine concept, he did obtain cre dit for putting the process into action. Though perhaps best known for his invention of the cotton gin, Eli Whitney's greatest accomplishment was successfully introducing interchangeable parts to America. Until then, every rifle's part had been hand made, thus the parts of one gun did not fit any other gun. Whitney made the parts to his rifles so nearly identical that the machine parts could be interchangeable from one gun to another. For each part of the gun, a template was made. Whitney then invented a machine that allowed a man to cut metal according to a pattern. It was composed of a wheel with its cutting teeth that were driven around the edge of the template. No expert mechanical skill was needed. This machine was known as the milling machine. He first tested his invention on muskets. The federal government's investment and support enabled Whitney to prove the feasibility of his system and establish it as the ...

Finance for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Finance for Managers - Essay Example Based on the analysis of the finances a set of recommendations have been set down to assist the company make improvements. The paper also deals with the role of the finance manager, i.e. David Green, and the discussion includes a detailed analysis of his position in the company in relation to the planning, control, performance management and also financial decision making. Finally, the paper will deal with the sources of finance with a focus on loans. Here two alternatives will be provided which are most suitable for Jools. However before moving into the current financial position of the company, it is important to provide a brief overview of the company. Overview of Jools: The birth of Jools Furniture was in 1990 when Julius Smith – Brown invested in Huddersfield based Sandy Furniture. Then the company specialised in kitchen and bedroom furniture. However by 2005 the company went on to grow and offer as many as 150 different furniture products to the customers. The company wa s focused on providing various designs and also targeted the middle and higher income buyers. As time passed the company went on to develop several divisions which include the office supplies, and also the quality products divisions, the quality products development focusing on the high income groups. Presently the company has grown to have four main divisions, i.e. Kitchen, Bedroom, Quality and Office and the company employees over 500 people (Jools Furniture, 2011). The company follows the laissez-faire form of management, and the division controllers are given a free reign to manage with the only condition to aim at a target return of 10 % return on investments. Current Financial Position Quality Products Division: In order to completely comprehend the financial performance of the division, the financial ratios over the years are computed and presented in the table below: Quality Products Division Year 2009 2008 2007 Profitability          Net Profit Margin 3.36 % 1.98 % -9 .90 % Return on Equity 9.99 % 5.63 % -26.30 % Efficiency          Return on Assets 13.33 % 12.58 % 1.83 % Asset Turnover 1.03 1.00 0.87 Liquidity          Current Ratio 1.33x 1.09x 1.13x Acid Test Ratio 0.63x 0.47x 0.59x Stock Turnover 114 days 100 days 105 days Debtor Days 43 days 28 days 44 days Creditor Days 36 days 47 days n / a Financial Structure          Gearing 61.91 % 60.83 % 62.24 % Interest Cover 2.11x 1.53x -1.32x The division had acquired another business in 2004 and it was completely sourced by debt. Hence the gearing ratio has been relatively high over the three years. The company aims at constantly maintaining a 50 % gearing ratio, however this is much higher which in turn simply implies that the company is more risky. Moreover, the division also incurred a loss in 2007. This loss can be attributed to a number of factors, including reduced turnover (low return on assets – 1.83 %), high interest paid and increased expenses (Berman, Knight, & C ase, 2006). However the division has managed to turn

Life of the silk road ( Tang Dynasty) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Life of the silk road ( Tang Dynasty) - Essay Example Consequently, prompting some women start having male concubines, which during then were acceptable and even right. Since, this trend was evident from the empress to the simple in the society, though the latter due to their husbands’ dominion complied with their unions’ precepts. Political arena also included the female gender where in most cases men exhibited approval besides other numerous fields, which even to date men deem they are not womanly (Ya-chen 77). Gender issue in the Tang Dynasty had a liberal stand due to women’s freedom, which this study seeks to expound (Ya-chen 75). The entire society besides accepting the idea of divorce, it also allowed the widows to continue with their sexual life (Ya-chen 75). Hence, an implication that men’s control by then did not have strict rules (Ya-chen 75). This is because women had the courage to request for the termination of their marriages and even remarry, a factor, which the emperor supported. Hence, †Å"four daughters of the first emperor of the Tang Dynasty married twice, and six daughters of the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty married twice† (Ya-chen 75). This exhibited a liberated society whereby both genders despite having their distinct roles, love to them meant a quest for happiness and satisfaction. This is because of the women’s decline to be recipients of exploitative actions especially from their spouses thus; they had the freedom to define themselves besides deciding whom to cohabit (Ya-chen 75). In addition, the two genders in the kingdom where able to assume similar roles especially in the political arena (Ya-chen 77). This was contrary to the bordering dynasties, whereby they devalued the status of a female gender to extend of not having any say regarding the running of their states. Conversely, Tang Dynasty exercised equality especially in the political arena whereby women who exhibited distinguished character became government officers (Ya-chen 77) . Besides, these women had the power to decide or even plan about their destinies and what they intended to attain without consulting their husbands, for instance, during Wu Zetian’s reign (Ya-chen 77). This is evident from the then period’s women scholars, for illustration, Song Ruochao who was a female xushi and Yu Xuanji (poet) (Ya-chen 77). Studies contend, â€Å"Tang Dynasty is often depicted as a golden age for Chinese women, a period of relative autonomy and power prior to their subjugation under the Neo-Confucianism of the Song Dynasty †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lewis 179). Since, its trend entailed excessive interaction of both men and women where the latter who emanated from an affluent background some kept male concubines (Ya-chen 76). This was after women market had shifted from the streets to their households, a trend that was common with divorcees and widows (Lewis 179). However, this freedom yielded to the degrading of the female gender, which later the Buddhism r efuted sharply besides emphasizing on widows’ chastity. Because, the former dynasty’s liberty encompassed morals’ degradation coupled with women especially the courtesans sometimes silencing their men while arguing. This is because besides being arrogant, they were also proficient in martial arts; hence, their male counterparts did not dare to challenge them in the public (Ya-chen 77). However, some of the poor courtesans severely suffered especially those who sought

Statistical Testing of the Impact of Working Hours and High-Risk Work Essay

Statistical Testing of the Impact of Working Hours and High-Risk Work Conditions on Injury - Essay Example Active work participation and good supervision are some of the important aspects in ensuring hazards are identified and tackled. Nevertheless, training workers is important so as to ensure that they are aware of ensuring safety in their workplaces. In this study, an investigation will be conducted in respect to the relationship between injury rates and different conditions in the workplaces. Although many organizations have some means of preventing and controlling hazards in workplaces, the effect of some conditions such as the total hours allocated for working and the impact of sensitization on high risk work places compared to less sensitization in low risk work places is ignored in many studies (Kennedy et al, 2010). Therefore, this study will investigate the impact that variation in the number of working hours and lack of protective sensitization in low risk workplaces, have on injury rates in workplaces. ... For the degree of risk involved at workplace and injury rates H0: The degree of risk involved is positively associated with the injury rates; H1: The degree of risk involved is negatively associated with the injury rates; These tests of validity for these hypotheses on the basis of results and conclusions reached in the following sections enables the researcher to establish the relationship between identified variables in this research. Method and Results The number of actual hours worked by all employees in the area/team for the 12 month period ending December 31, 2009 were taken and recorded in an excel spreadsheets. Also, operations for supervisors differed in terms of activities and risks. Risk ranged from low (1) office related to high (7) manual material handling activities. Table 1 Risk Range 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Low ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? High This data was taken and recorded in an excel worksheet as well. Finally, the average rate of injuries per 100 employees over 12 month period was r ecorded on the excel worksheets. Among these variables, the injury rate was taken as the dependent variable while the level of risk and hours worked was taken as the independent variables. The aim of the study is to find out the relationship between injury rate on the one hand and hours worked and risk, on the other hand. In other words, the researcher formulated a statistical model to find out whether the risk and hours worked can be used to predict the rate of injuries in workplaces. The data collected in the excel worksheets are then imported into an SPSS sheet for statistical analysis. The analysis conducted under SPSS includes both descriptive analysis and

The Transtheoretical Model Of Health Behaviour

The Transtheoretical Model Of Health Behaviour A Critical evaluation of the Transtheoretical model of health behaviour change in light of my own experience of exercise behaviour change. â€Å"Morbidity and mortality in industrialized societies is due, in part, to individual patterns of behaviour† (Bridle 2004). Individuals contribute to their own health by avoiding health damaging behaviours such as smoking, and by adopting health enhancing behaviours such as exercise or healthy eating. There are many heath interventions in place to help people make positive lifestyle changes, and these interventions are commonly based on stage theories/models of behaviour change, providing a diagrammatic approach and a framework for research, in order to understand, predict and ultimately change behaviour (Bridle 2004 pg284). Behaviour change is seen as a dynamic process involving movement through a sequence of discrete qualitatively distinct stages, and commonly stage based interventions are more effective then non-stage based interventions (Adams and White 2005). However, recent research into the effectiveness of stage based models suggests that despite the widespread popu larity in both practice and research, more caution is necessary (see Bridle et al 2004 for a review). For the purpose of this project I chose to adopt a healthier lifestyle by increasing the amount of exercise that I did each week. The benefits of exercise are well documented (Department of health 2004) and for the purpose of this study I set a target of exercising three times a week (this is around three times as much as I previously exercised) and I did this for a six week period. I began by jogging for as long as I could manage three times a week, but after the first two weeks I realised that I was lacking motivation, so instead I joined the gym, and continued my regime with the better facilities provided at the gym and monitored my progress in the form of a diary. In the forthcoming essay I will evaluate my experience in light of models of health behaviour change, but more specifically the Transactional model of health behaviour. There is no overall consensus regarding which is the best model of behaviour change but The Transtheoretical model (TTM) (Prochaska DiClemente, 1983; (also known as stages of change model) Prochaska, DiClemente Norcross, 1992)) is commonly considered the dominant model of behaviour change in health Psychology (Norman et al 2000). The TTM of health behaviour suggests that behaviour change is not a continuous process but something that occurs through a series of qualitatively different stages (Bridle et al pg284). It suggests a total of five stages that people go through when experiencing a behaviour change and in addition to these five stages, ten social and psychological aspects of health behaviour and different self-change strategies, the so-called ‘processes of change, that are involved in the movement between different stages (Prochaska et al 1997). Different stages are associated with different beliefs such as the assessment of the ‘pros and ‘cons of the behav iour and self-confidence in ability to change the behaviour. Prochaska et al (1997) argue that interventions to promote change should be designed so that they are appropriate to an individuals current stage and moving an individual from one stage to another using the TTM will eventually lead the person to achieve the ‘maintenance whereby long term change is achieved. The Transtheoretical model provided me with a great insight into my motivational behaviour and the factors that affected my motivation within each stage. For example, the transition between ‘contemplation and ‘action only occurred when I re-located my exercise behaviour to the gym, as described in the TTM, I required environmental re-evaluation and consciousness raising (provided by staff at the gym) before I could move to the ‘action stage. However, motivation was a serious problem, even when I was regularly exercising (weeks 5 and 6) my motivation would fluctuate or increase on a whim, my mood was a strong motivating and de-motivating factor and often other factors such as work, money and other commitments would take priority. These factors can be placed within the ‘decisional balance when weighing up the pros and cons, for example in the third week when I had a lot of university work to do, my exercise was less important which is why I moved from ‘act ion to ‘preparation then back to ‘action, and according to the TTM other factors such as self-efficacy and situational temptations may have also had an influence on my mood and exercise behaviour. However, this was not always the case and my behaviour was not always as structured or as cognitively coherent as the TTM describes. Even with support from peers to do more exercise and no reason not to do exercise, I was still not motivated to actually do it, suggesting that my behaviour did not always follow decision making rules such as the pros and cons of exercise behaviour that TTM proposes. West et al (2005) provides commentary on this by suggesting that by focussing on conscious decision making and planning processes draws attention away from what are known to be important underpinnings of human behaviour (West et al 2005). Even if my behaviour was accountable under the ‘processes of change it still remains that on some occasions these processes were not apparent to me, I simply did not want to do exercise and I easily fell into my old routine of no exercise. This however did lead to ‘regret which in turn motivated me. Sometimes I would chose not to do exercise and regret not doing it, then feel motivated by regret at a later date, it may be worth incorporating the Regret Theory (Bell 1982) into TTM as part if the ‘decisional balance. Another problem that I found with the TTM was that I felt that my behaviour was not always ‘stage specific and I at times I felt as though I was in both ‘pre-contemplation and ‘action stages at the same time. However as Sutton et al (1991) observed if one can be in more than one stage at once, â€Å"the concept of stages loses its meaning† (p.195). It is a bold suggestion to make when analysing a widely used model, and research into the evidence for qualitatively different stages has provided mixed outcomes. Prochaska DiClemente claim strong empirical support for the stages of change across a wide range of populations and problems (Prochaska, DiClemente, Velicer, Rossi, 1992; Prochaska Velicer, 1997; Prochaska, Velicer, et al., 1994; Velicer, Hughes, Fava, Prochaska, DiClemente, 1995; Velicer, Rossi, Prochaska, DiClemente, 1996). However a review of stages of change literature (Littell Girvin, 2002) has provided mixed results regarding the validity of t he qualitatively distinct stages. Identifying a person stage is a fundamental step in applying stage-based interventions, but few staging methods have been validated to confirm that they accurately place the individuals in the correct stage of activity change (Adams, 2005). Not only this, researchers often adapt and change existing algorithms when they are not comfortable with the existing one (Brug, 2003). Littells review provides evidence for and against SOC, from a variety of studies using factor analysis and/or cluster charts to reveal patterns of behavioural intention. The studies provided mixed results; Carey et al (1999) found that â€Å"the number of identifiable clusters is sample dependent and highly variable† and that some clusters â€Å"do not have clear correlates in the Transtheoretical Model† (p. 251), however a separate review (Davidson 1998) found â€Å"clear profiles corresponding to the predicted stages emerged with considerable consistency† ( p. 27). This mix match of results lead Littell at al to conclude; with the exception of pre-contemplation â€Å"stages do not emerge with any consistent manner, in principle components within problem behaviours, and rather then being in one stage or another clients show patterns of differential involvement in each of the stages† (Littell, 2002). This lends support to my personal experience of SOC with regards to exercise behaviour, suggesting that the distinct stages of behaviour change identified by Prochaska et al may not be as accurate as they had originally proposed and without an accurate measurement tool, stage based interventions are of limited utility. The application of stage based interventions to exercise has provided some positive results for short term behaviour change, however little research has found support for the long term benefits of stage based interventions in behaviour change. This has been a topic of much debate over recent years, and a review by Adams and White lead to three main reasons why this may be. The aforementioned problems with validated staging algorithms are noted in Adams et als research, but also the complexity of physical activity, and the possibility that the real determinants of activity change are not included in the Transtheoretical model. Adams et al suggest that the exercise behaviour is not a single behaviour but actually a complex set of behaviour patterns. By reducing exercise behaviour down to one single entity interventions are failing to measure a whole behaviour, rather a part of a behaviour. Marttila et al, for example, identified five different categories of physical activity (occupatio nal activities, fitness activities, life style activities, commuting activities, and sports activities), and peoples pros cons and self efficacy beliefs were different for each behaviour. In my case, I had pros associated with going to the gym during my behaviour change but I did not have pros associated with walking to work every day (occupational activities), or going dancing through the night (life style activities), these behaviours do however constitute as physical activity, I was trying to increase my fitness activities and not taking into account any occupational or life style activities. Unlike smoking or substance use, exercise behaviour is multi-faceted and by failing to recognise this, investigators may be failing to recognise the true complexity and specificity of interventions required to promote activity (Adams et al), not only this, it may explain, in part the problem of validating the stages because people are falling into two groups of behaviour change for different behaviours. Adams et al also suggest that motivational factors for exercise behaviour are more complex then TTM can account for, factors such as age, gender and socioeconomic position, these factors all have an effect of our behaviour but why not behaviour change? A study by Kearney et al (1999) looked at stages of change over a nationally representative sample and found that TTM was effective in identifying stage and attitudes towards exercise behaviour but there was considerable ‘intercountry and ‘sociodemographic variation in the distribution of stages of change. They concluded by suggesting that targeted programmes aimed at specific subgroups might be more effective in promoting physical activity. From this brief introduction to TTM research, and in light of my own behaviour change it would appear that TTM and other stage based interventions targeting exercise behaviour have a long way to go before they can significantly aid long-term behaviour change. I believe that the TTM provided me with a good insight into motivational elements my own behaviour change, however, in my opinion the spontaneous nature of my desire to/not to take part in physical activity did not always fall into the features described in the ‘processes of change or ‘decisional balance. My experience showed that consciousness raising and environmental evaluation had a part to play in stage movement, which allowed for a successful short term behaviour change, but I am not convinced that my behaviour was always stage specific. As mentioned by Bandura ‘human functioning is simply too multifaceted and multi-determined to be categorized into a few discrete stages (Bandura, 1997 pg8) and research h as provided evidence to suggest that the staging process may not be validated, confirming my experience of stages of change (TTM). Possible suggestions for the future of TTM are as follows: West et al argues that interventions should revert back to the simplistic supportive role that GPs took before stage based interventions were devised, focussing on desire to change as opposed to stages (West 2005) and Littell et al (2004) argues for a feedback system whereby stage based groups are coupled with discussions about motivation to change. In my opinion, further research is needed in to tailored behaviour interventions, and/or like Littell et al suggests coupling TTM with a personalized interview suitable for long term behaviour change. References: Adams J White, M. (2005) Why dont stage based activity promotion interventions work? Health Education Research. 20. 237-243. Bandura, A. (1977). Self efficacy: Towards a unifying theory of behavioural change. Psychological review. Bell, David E. (1982). Regret in Decision Making Under Uncertainty. Operations Research, 30, 961-981. Bridle, C; Riemsma, P; Pattenden J; Sowden A J, Mather L, Watt, I S; Walker A (2004) Systematic review of the effectiveness of health behaviour interventions based on the Transtheoretical model. Psychology and health, 20(3):283-301. Brug J. (2005) The transtheoretcial model and stages of change: a critique. Observations by five commentators on the paper b y Adams, J. and White M. (2004) Why dont stage based activity promotion interventions work? Health education research theory and practice, vol.20 no.2, 244-258. Carey, K. B., Purnine, D. M., Maisto, S. A.,Carey, M. P. (1999). Assessing readiness to change substance abuse: A critical review of instruments. In Littell, J. H. Girvin H. (2002) stages of change. A critique. Behaviour modification, 26.223-273. Davidson, R. (1998). The transtheoretical model: A critical overview. InW. R. Miller N. Heather (Eds.), Treating addictive behaviors (2nd ed., pp. 25-38). New York: Plenum. Department of health. (2004) At least five a week: evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health. A report from the Chief Medical Officer. London TSO. Kearney, J., de Graaf, C., Damkjaer, S. and Engstrom, L. (1999) Stages of change towards physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union. Public Health Nutrition, 2, 115-124. Littell, J. H. Girvin H. (2002) stages of change. A critique. Behaviour modification, 26.223-273. Marttila, J., Laitakari, J., Nupponen, R., Miilunpalo, S. and Paronen, O. (1998) The versatile nature of physical activity. On the psychological, behavioural and contextual characteristics of health-related physical activity. Patient Education and Counselling, 33, s29-s38. Norman P, Abraham C, Conner M (2000) Understanding and changing health behaviour from health beliefs to self regulation, Harwood academic publishers: pg73-95. Prochaska, J. DiClemente, C. 1983. Transtheoretical therapy: toward a more integrative model of change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practise, 19, 276-288. Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C. (1992). Stages of change in the modification of problem behaviors. In M. Hersen, R. Eisler,P. M. Miller (Eds.), Progress in behavior modification (Vol. 28). New York: Academic Press. Prochaska, J. O., Velicer, W. F. (1997). Misinterpretations and misapplications of the transtheoretical model. American Journal of Health Promotion, 12, 11-12. Prochaska, J. O.,Velicer,W. F.,Rossi, J. S., Goldstein, M. G., Marcus, B. H., Rakowski,W., et al. (1994). Stages of change and decisional balance for 12 problem behaviors. Health Psychology,13, 39-46. Robinson, T, E Berridge, K C (2003) Addiction. Annual Review of psychology, 54, 25-53. In West R (2005) Time for a change: putting the Transtheoretical (stages of change) Model to rest. Society for the study of addiction. Sutton, S R (1996) Can ‘stages of change provide guidance in the treatment of addictions? A critical examination of Prochaska and DiClementes model. In Norman P, Abraham C, and Conner M; (2000) Understanding and changing Health behaviour p.g. 207-210 West R (2005) Time for a change: putting the Transtheoretical (stages of change) Model to rest. Society for the study of addiction.   

A Mixed Economic System Would Benefit the United Kingdom Essay

A Mixed Economic System Would Benefit the United Kingdom Two main economic systems have been developed since the Industrial Revolution, these are Capitalism and Socialism. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, this essay will explain these, and also give my proposals for a mixed system for the whole society of the United Kingdom. Capitalism Capitalism generally started as an economic system in the United Kingdom at the time of the Industrial Revolution. The basic explanation of Capitalism would be to say that 'the economy is left to its own devices with no Government intervention'. A Capitalist economy is a market economy where all economic decision making is decentralised, and the Government will only supply national defence, administer justice and provide certain public works. The goods that are provided in a Capitalist economy are decided by individuals who choose how to use their labour and spend their income. All resources are privately owned and will only be used for obtaining the highest profit. Advantages of Capitalism There are many advantages to a Capitalist economic system which could make it very appealing to society. The system allows the powers of market forces to operate which in turn gives the consumer a wider range of goods and services. Also because producers are always seeking the highest profit they must try to please the consumer and win their custom. This leads to innovation and greater quality and variety. The firms which produce the correct goods and services will win custom and make profit, those which don't will go out of business and therefore release their resources to the successful firms. This will lead to the expansion of the economy and greater prosperity. In summing up the advantages, it is clear to see that the consumer has the power to dictate the goods in the economy. Disadvantages of Capitalism As discussed in the advantages of Capitalism the consumer has all the power in the economy. However individuals purchasing power is drastically unequal because of the inequality of wealth within the economy. This is due to the fact that some people will always be able to work harder, be more innovative and be more talented than others, and therefore be more profitable and promote themselves higher in the economy whilst others will fail. Because of the inequality of wealth in a truly Capitalist society with... ... Since the war the Government has still kept a lot of control but the opportunity for entrepreneurship is available. The economy in the United Kingdom is, as far as I can see, the only way a society can flourish. The Government tax people but provide, health care, infrastructure, education and welfare as well as owning certain industries to keep some form of economic planning available to them. However recently the Government has sold off a lot of nationalised industries and this has allowed for more competition and moves the economy in to a more Capitalist state. Conclusion In a Capitalist society there is great suffering because of the great inequality but in a Socialist society it seems that, even though the idea of everyone living equally in harmony is appealing, the fact of the matter is that the only equality that people will share is the equality of no choice and oppression. True Socialism can never work in any society because it is human nature to want mare than you have and to strive to achieve this. Countries that say they are socialist seem to me to be more of a dictatorship. A true mix between the two must be achieved to sustain a healthy economy and a happy society.